Awoke and packed car, skipping breakfast. Weather glorious again so hood off. Headed along Seine valley towards Rouen. Beautiful villages. Stopped for a croissant and coffee which seems our morning requirement. Went through Les Andeleys which is very pretty. Castle on hill built by Richard the Lionheart. Onwards to Rouen. Rouen full of beautiful churches and an odd cathedral with huge rusty iron spire looking at best like the Eiffel tower at worst like Blackpool tower. Lunch by accident at Moroccan restaurant by a little fountain. Food fiery and good. Waitress friendly and warm. Good Baklava type dessert. Mint tea very sweet. Off to explore town which is gorgeous. Leaning medieval streets and gothic extravagance. Would like to return. Staying tonight at cottage by the Seine. Arrived after driving by but guided in by Yann our host. Yann was warm and charming and settled is in with a bottle of locally produced cider and talked about the history of the cottages. We were on the top level reached by a precariously steep staircase. The room was charming. All under thatch with a picture window view of the Seine. The grounds were large enough to feel private with comfortable recliners positioned with unobscured views. First shock was the river traffic. Huge container ships passed by. Yann told is that occasionally full size cruise ships pass on the way to Rouen. Went to local restaurant for delicious galette and crepe, then slept soundly. Best sleep so far. Breakfast in the main house with Yann. Was exceptional, especially home made fromage frais with marron. Yann felt like an old friend and we promised to stay on our return on the 29th.